Signs of a relapse first appear in a person’s thoughts. Being aware of our thoughts is extremely important, especially in early recovery. Where we focus our thoughts is where our minds eventually try to lead us, and for an addict, this often means a mental relapse.

Substance use was once their main coping mechanism, and when under stress an addict will crave the relief that substances used to provide. Letting these thoughts take hold is a sure path back to using again. 

When someone enters a recovery program, they may think, “I never want to think about drugs again.” This conviction can waver when they discover that they still have cravings. Often people feel they are doing something wrong and that they have let themselves and their loved ones down.

More often than you think, people simply don’t voice their thoughts about using, because they are so embarrassed by these thoughts. Call us today if you need help with someone you think is about to relapse. Our team of specialists is here to help you, and your loved one, start a healthier journey.

Physical Relapses

Physical relapse is the actual act of starting to use again.  It can be broken down into two phases. The “lapse” is the initial drug use or drink; the “relapse” is the return to uncontrolled substance use.

Once again, thoughts play an important role. The lapse does not have to turn into a relapse, but it becomes a preoccupation for the addict and from there can quickly escalate into full-blown substance abuse.

Stages of Relapses

Relapse is more of a process than an event. It is broken down into three stages:

1. Emotional Relapse –The individual starts to experience negative emotional responses. These are usually anger, moodiness, and anxious feelings. Many times, their eating and sleeping habits will grow erratic. The addict’s desire for recovery often weakens due to a lack of using their support systems. Their emotions and behaviors are setting them up for relapse down the road. People are not consciously thinking about using during this stage. Denial is a big part of emotional relapse.
2. Mental Relapse-This is often an internal struggle for the person in recovery. A part of the addict wants to remain on the road to long-term sobriety, but the other part wants to return to using. (The latter part may never disappear completely, which is why addiction is often described as a chronic condition). During the mental relapse phase, direct thoughts about using arise. This is the point where it is very difficult to stop the process.
3. Physical Relapse-Occurs when a person consumes substances again, breaking their sobriety. Using just one time can result in intense cravings to continue to use. The risk of returning to consistent drug use is at its highest point. Physical relapses tend to happen whenever the opportunity arises.

Triggers of Relapses 

Since recovery is an ongoing process rather than a cure to addiction, the potential for relapse is always there. You can learn the warning signs that can help to avoid it. Friends and family can be educated on how to help someone who is about to relapse. The top five triggers of relapse are:

• Stress
• People or places connected to the addictive behavior
• Negative or difficult emotions
• Seeing the object of addiction
• Times of celebration 

Signs of Relapses

• Isolation
• Bottling up emotions
• Not going to meetings
• Going to meetings, but not sharing or participating
• Focusing on other people’s problems, or how others affect them
• Poor self-care (poor health, eating habits, not sleeping well)
• Reflecting only on their past
• Minimizing the consequences of using
• Bargaining
• Lying
• Thinking of ways to control the use

Relapse Prevention 

Relapse prevention is why most people go to treatment in the first place. By the time most people seek help, they have already tried to quit on their own and are looking for a better solution.

It is important to understand that relapse happens gradually. Most often, it begins many weeks before an individual picks up a drink or drug. The main goal of recovery treatment is to help individuals recognize early warning signs of relapse. Recovery programs can help develop coping skills to prevent relapses. The chances of success are the greatest when people learn these skills early in their recovery.

Relapses occur most often when the person thinks they will not get caught. Moreover, part of relapse prevention involves rehearsing these situations in advance to develop healthy exit strategies. Sometimes people do not understand relapse prevention. Quite often, they think it involves “just saying no” to an opportunity for substance use. However, that is the final and most difficult stage to stop. This is usually why people relapse. People need necessary coping skills, otherwise, they are more likely to return to drugs or alcohol. Have you or someone you know relapsed? Then call us today. Our experts will help you find the right path of treatment for you and your needs.